Wellington Regional Trails
A birdseye view of three cyclists riding along Te Onepoto Loop Track in Whitireia Park along the coast in Porirua, New Zealand.

Walking time

1 hr 20 min

Length

4.6km

Uses

Walking/Running, Mountain Biking

Type

Single track

Walking difficulty

Easy: Walking track

Mountain Bike Grade

Intermediate: Grade 3

Profile

60m climb

60m descent

61m highest point

Dogs

Yes (on lead)

About the trail

Whitireia Park, on the western side of Porirua Harbour, provides an easy walking option for families. It’ll take about 1.5 hours to walk through the popular 6km loop trail. The well-maintained track offers beaches, meadows, steep trails, wooded areas, and sweeping views of the harbour and Mana Island.

Dogs are welcome, with lead restrictions in certain areas of the park. Whitireia Park Reserve is also popular for fishing off the rocks, exploring rock pools, swimming at Onehunga Bay, and kite surfing.

Getting there

Two people take a selfie on a beautiful coastline in front of the sunset at Whitireia Park in Porirua, New Zealand.

What to expect

There is no shelter along the coastal Te Onepoto Loop and the track is very exposed in places. Make sure you’re prepared for sun and wind, and changes in weather conditions. There are multiple points of access to the beach.

Two people using walking sticks are strolling along a gravel path next to a rocky shoreline.

Adaptive Mountain Bike Grade

This trail is Adaptive Mountain Biking Grade 5. Find out more on AdaptMTB.

Know before you go

  • Get ready using Plan My Walk for track alerts, weather forecasts, trip reviews, and a packing list. For more in-depth weather updates, check the MetService website.
  • Whitireia Park is dog-friendly. Signposted lead restrictions apply, especially around the coast during Penguin breeding season. The rest of the park is off-lead. Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) provides dog poo bins and bags.
  • Check what time the vehicle gates open and close on the GWRC website.
  • There are no rubbish bins available in the park — take all rubbish with you.
  • This park has a ranger and on-site times vary.
  • No camping or fires permitted. Gas BBQs are allowed.
  • During wildfire season, GWRC actively monitors fire danger in regional parks. This trail may have restrictions or closures. Check the latest fire risk status on the GWRC website before heading out on the trails.
  • No motorbikes permitted.